DRE, A.P.C. Issues Statement on Bishop Montgomery High School Football Program

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Darren M. Richie, Esq., of the national law firm DRE, A.P.C., today issued a statement clarifying the firm's position on recent events at Bishop Montgomery High School concerning Head Football Coach Ed Hodgkiss. "Mr. Hodgkiss was an exemplary coach and teacher for 15 years," said Richie. "His dedication to the school and its students has been a hallmark of his career, and his contributions should not be overlooked." The firm's preliminary investigation suggests the recent issues were initiated by a new community member. Richie stated, "It is our opinion that this individual, with hopes of elevating the football program, attempted to replicate strategies used by top-tier programs. We believe this led to the encouragement of student-athletes to transfer, with the goal of competing with national powerhouses like St. John Bosco and Mater Dei."

Richie emphasized that the student-athletes involved genuinely sought a high-quality education and a competitive athletic environment. "Many of these athletes were excited about attending a school as academically prestigious as Bishop Montgomery," Richie said. "For some, this was a once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity, and they physically moved closer to the school to focus on their studies and diploma." Despite these legitimate relocations, the CIF has declared many transfers ineligible, citing discrepancies in their submissions. Richie asserts that the CIF has failed to properly verify these moves. "Each transfer genuinely did move. The CIF could have easily sent someone to verify the move, but instead, they took action making these transfers ineligible for up to the next two years." Richie also noted the firm has attempted to work with CIF's legal counsel to resolve the issue but has been met with stonewalling. "We believe what happened was a matter of administrative procrastination by this new member and his cronies," Richie explained. "It appears they tried to submit the legitimate paperwork without enough time."

From DRE, A.P.C.'s independent review, each transfer possesses legitimate documentation to prove their move. Richie also pointed out that the transfers were not athletically motivated, as Bishop Montgomery's football program was not a top contender. The firm now looks forward to the opportunity to demonstrate the legitimacy of these transfers, and DRE, A.P.C. is confident that once all the facts are presented, the CIF will reverse its decision and allow these deserving student-athletes to compete.

Contact:
Darren M. Richie, Esq.
900 Wilshire Blvd. Suite. 1225
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213-265-7888
https://drelaw.com/
[email protected]

SOURCE DRE, A.P.C.